UDS and the Chornobyl Radiation and Ecological Biosphere Reserve signed a Memorandum of Cooperation in the field of humanitarian demining
The purpose of the Memorandum is to strengthen interaction and coordination in the field of humanitarian demining within the territory of the Reserve, as well as to reduce the negative impact of explosive remnants of war on the environment, infrastructure, and personnel safety.
The document was signed between the Chornobyl Radiation and Ecological Biosphere Reserve, represented by its Director Denys Nesterov, and Ukrainian Demining Services LLC (UDS), represented by Acting CEO Oleksandr Romaniuk.
The Chornobyl Radiation and Ecological Biosphere Reserve is the largest protected natural area in Ukraine, covering 226,269.5 hectares. The Reserve is located within the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone and the Zone of Unconditional (Mandatory) Resettlement surrounding the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant and plays a key role in preserving the unique ecosystems of Ukrainian Polissia.
The Reserve operates under the management of the State Agency of Ukraine on Exclusion Zone Management (SAUEZM), which coordinates activities related to radiation safety, protection of natural complexes, and restoration of territories affected by the Chornobyl disaster and military actions.
As a result of the Russian occupation in 2022, the territory of the Reserve suffered significant damage. In particular, parts of the territory were mined, infrastructure was damaged, large-scale forest fires occurred, and natural ecosystems were disrupted, creating long-term risks to the environment, personnel, and the ability to conduct conservation and scientific activities.
Under the Memorandum, UDS, as a certified mine action operator, may carry out humanitarian demining activities within the territory of the Reserve upon request and subject to available operational capacity.
In particular, the cooperation предусматриває:
▪️ Conducting non-technical surveys of territories, including forest areas, roads, clearings, water bodies, and coastal zones
▪️ Marking hazardous areas and subsequent clearance of explosive remnants of war
▪️ Conducting humanitarian demining using manual and mechanical methods
▪️ Raising awareness among Reserve personnel about risks associated with mines and explosive remnants of war
A separate area of cooperation includes attracting international and national grant funding for humanitarian and recovery programs, implementing innovative technologies in mine action, exchanging expertise, and conducting joint training and awareness-raising activities.
The Memorandum establishes a foundation for long-term cooperation aimed at the gradual clearance of the Chornobyl Radiation and Ecological Biosphere Reserve from explosive remnants of war, reducing risks to personnel, and restoring natural ecosystems.
🤝 Cooperation with institutions operating under the management of the State Agency of Ukraine on Exclusion Zone Management is an important element of UDS’s systematic work to clear the territories of the Exclusion Zone, restore a safe natural environment, and preserve Ukraine’s unique natural heritage.